How Veterans Can Set Up VA Pre-Need Burial Eligibility:
Veterans can apply ahead of time for a Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Determination through the VA. This helps confirm eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery before the time of need and can make things easier for family later.
Pre-Need Burial Eligibility Checklist
□ Step 1: Gather your documents
Before starting, have these ready:
•DD-214
•Discharge orders or separation documents
•Social Security number
•Date of birth
•Military service history
•Preferred VA national cemetery, if known
Note: Including your DD-214 and discharge paperwork with the digital submission can help the VA process the request faster.
□ Step 2: Go to the VA pre-need application page
•Go to https://t.co/ONOLOAokzk and search:
◦“VA pre-need burial eligibility”
•Choose the VA page for:
◦Pre-Need Eligibility for Burial in a VA Cemetery
•Apply online or download:
◦VA Form 40-10007
□ Step 3: Complete VA Form 40-10007
Form name:
Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery
Fill in:
•Veteran’s full legal name
•Name used during military service, if different
•Contact information
•Military service details
•Claimant information
•Preferred VA national cemetery
•Signature and date
Note: Each person needs a separate application.
□ Step 4: Upload supporting documents
When submitting online, attach copies of:
•DD-214
•Discharge orders
•Any other separation or service documents
Note: Keep copies of everything you submit.
□ Step 5: Submit the application
You can submit:
•Online through https://t.co/ONOLOAokzk
•By mail to the NCA Evidence Intake Center
•By fax to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office
Note: Online is usually the easiest option.
□ Step 6: Watch for the VA decision letter
•The VA will review the application and send a written decision letter.
•If approved, keep the letter in a safe place and give a copy to:
◦Family
◦Funeral home
◦Power of attorney or estate planner
◦Trusted representative
□ Step 7: Tell your family your wishes
Let your family know:
•You completed the pre-need application
•Where your decision letter is stored
•Which cemetery you prefer
•Any burial, inurnment, or memorial wishes
Important: A pre-need approval does not guarantee a specific cemetery or gravesite, but it helps speed up arrangements when the time comes.
□ Step 8: At the time of need
When the Veteran passes, the family or funeral home should call the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office:
800-535-1117
They should have the pre-need decision letter available.
Taking care of this ahead of time is a gift to your family. It reduces stress, confusion, and delays during an already difficult time.
NOTE: If you do not have family or friends to give your decision letter to, send it to me, and Code Of Vets will be there when it is time.
@codeofvets@DeptVetAffairs Outstanding job by all who were involved to get this mission done. Gretchen, I'm wondering if a collaboration with @DeptVetAffairs or @SecVetAffairs is possible to expedite emergency cases that @codeofvets is made aware of? Sec. Collins reply sir?
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